VF Corp. sees Q3 revenue up at nearly same rate as Q2Third quarter currency neutral and reported revenues are expected to increase at nearly the same rates as those of the second quarter driven by strength from the Outdoor & Action Sports and Jeanswear coalitions, our international operations and continued strength in our direct-to-consumer businesses. Fourth quarter currency neutral revenue should increase at a rate slightly lower than third quarter results due to the tougher comparison against the same period of 2014 which included a 53rd week. The strongest margin and profit comparisons of the year are expected in the fourth quarter, when the direct-to-consumer business makes the most significant contribution of the year, the negative impact of currency lessens and lower product costs are realized.

Macy's downgraded to Underweight from Neutral at Atlantic EquitiesAtlantic Equities analyst Danlela Nedlalkova downgraded Macy's to Underweight with a $64 price target based on expectations of weaker topline trends. Nedlalkova said recent industry commentary and data and global tourist spending decline will likely weigh on Q2 results. The analyst believes annual comp guidance of 2% is likely optimistic with Q1 comps at (0.1%) and expectations for about a flat comp in Q2, indicating 2H comps need to accelerate to 3%-4% to meet guidance. Nedlalkova said shares have been supported by speculation of real estate monetization, but with shares at historic levels, the analyst expects weaker operating results to pressure the stock.

Wal-Mart's Apple Pay competitor launching soon, Bloomberg saysCurrentC, the mobile payment application funded by Wal-Mart (WMT), Target (TGT), Best Buy (BBY) and others, will see an early trial run next month, Bloomberg reported earlier, citing three people familiar with the situation. A spokesperson for Lowe's (LOW) said the consortium behind the app expects an official launch in Q3, and Bloomberg noted that CurrentC will compete with more "established" offerings such as Apple's (AAPL) Apple Pay and Google's (GOOG) Android Pay. Reference Link

VF Corp. upgraded to Buy from Neutral at BuckinghamBuckingham upgraded VF Corp. to Buy and increased its price target to $86 from $70. The firm has increased confidence the company can outperform driven by a strong brand portfolio, pricing power, and best-in-class growth.

VF Corp. among best potential 2H earnings revision stories, says UBSUBS said VF Corp. should be able to raise its 2015 guidance as the firm's channel checks show accelerating tailwinds and positive industry trends. The firm feels the company has one of the highest potential positive second half earnings revision stories in the group. UBS reiterated its Buy rating and $83 price target on VF Corp. shares.

Macy's considered, rejected sale/lease-backs in past, WSJ saysMacy's (M) executives have considered sale/lease-backs "over the years" and have come to negative conclusions, reports the Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the company. The report comes in the wake of Starboard Value pressuring Macy's to spin off its real estate, and sources said the activist investor sees several options, including a REIT, a Hudsonís Bayís-style real estate partnership, a sale/lease-back, or borrowing money against the properties. Separately, a source said Target (T) is still reluctant to relinquish control over its real estate. Reference Link